For the first time in table tennis history, a ball made with recycled plastic has been used in international competition. The DHS RS40+, produced with 65% recycled ABS plastic, made its official debut this week at Europe Smash – Sweden 2025 in Malmö, marking a major milestone in the ITTF’s commitment to sustainability.
This achievement is the result of years of vision, collaboration, and innovation, led by ITTF President Petra Sörling, who made sustainability a cornerstone of her first term.
From Concept to Competition
The path from concept to competition was rapid but rigorous. The recycled material sourcing was finalised earlier this year, with the first submission to the ITTF Equipment Department on 27 February 2025. Over 65% of its raw material comes from items like household appliances—fridges, TVs, washing machines—giving a second life to waste, without compromising a single bounce.
Following extensive testing, including material and performance validation, the ball was officially approved by the ITTF on 18 March 2025. In parallel, collaboration with players was central to the process. Players were provided with sample balls in the lead-up to the event to ensure sufficient preparation and adaptation time. Trials were also conducted at major competitions, including tests by Sharath Kamal Achanta, Co-Chair of the ITTF Athletes Commission, during the ITTF World Championships Finals 2025.
View this post on Instagram
This combination of laboratory precision and athlete-centred feedback ensured that the ball met the high-performance standards expected at the elite level of table tennis.
Collaboration Across the Ecosystem
At the heart of this success was the close cooperation between the ITTF Equipment Department, the manufacturer DHS, and the playing community. The Equipment Department not only oversaw technical testing but also guided the development to guarantee compliance with international competition standards.
By working hand in hand with manufacturers, administrators, and athletes, the ITTF has demonstrated the power of collective responsibility in driving innovation for sustainability.
Leadership Driving Change
Since the start of her mandate, President Sörling has prioritised concrete sustainability initiatives across the sport. Early in her tenure, she began conversations with manufacturers to explore ways to reduce the environmental footprint of table tennis equipment.
“This truly feels like a dream, to stand here today with a recycled ball in play. It is the result of tremendous hard work,” said President Sörling. “From the beginning of my first term, we made sustainability a priority. I met with manufacturers to explore how we could make our equipment more environmentally friendly, and I was encouraged by their openness and willingness to join us on this journey.
“After a long process of research, testing, and trials with the involvement of players, we have finally reached this milestone: competing with a recycled ball that meets the expectations and standards of elite table tennis. I am both delighted and proud that, thanks to the shared commitment of all involved, we achieved this in such a short period of time.”
Players’ Perspective
While the manufacturing and process were crucial, the ultimate test was on the court. Adriana Díaz, ITTF Planet Ambassador, has been at the forefront of advocating for sustainable practices in table tennis.
“I think these changes are so important for our future,” said Diaz. “I am really happy that we made a high-quality ball that we can play a Smash with. I really like it, it feels really good.”
Other elite athletes echoed this sentiment, noting that the ball feels familiar in play while offering the assurance of greater sustainability.
“I heard the ball uses a new material that’s made from recycled plastic,” said Sun Yingsha, Women’s World No.1 and three-time Grand Smash champion. “After two days of training with it, I haven’t noticed any major difference. It feels familiar, comfortable, and easy to adjust to. And I’m ready to give every match my all.”
“The RS40+ has a reliable feel and slightly less spin, which actually makes it easier to control in high-pressure situations,” said Patrick Franziska. “The quality has been excellent—no breakages, even on edge hits—and I’ve been using it in practice over the past week. So far, I’m really happy with how it’s performing.”
“The RS40+ feels reliable. It plays with the consistency you expect at this level,” said Omar Assar. “For my style of play, it actually feels better. Every player has their own preference when it comes to balls, but the way this one was produced really works for me. And the fact that it’s made using recycled materials just makes it even more impressive.”
A Milestone for the Future
Europe Smash marks just the beginning of this new era for table tennis. “What DHS has created here is proof that innovation doesn’t need to compromise on performance. The RS40+ has been tested by the best, trusted by top players, and holds up under Grand Smash pressure,” said Steve Dainton, ITTF Group Chief Executive Officer
By introducing the world’s first recycled competition ball at a Grand Smash, the ITTF and WTT have set a benchmark for sustainable innovation in sport. This initiative is part of a broader strategy under ITTF Sustainability Action Plan, which seeks to embed sustainability into every level of the game, from grassroots development to world-class events and equipment innovation.
With the RS40+ now officially in play, table tennis has proven that better performance can also mean better purpose.